Improve your health, manage conditions

By Linda Minges

Published: Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 10:57 PM.

You may not be able to control all aspects of your health, but there are many things you can certainly do to improve it. Finding social support from others — friends, family, and co-workers — provides motivation, encouragement, as well as new ways to work through health problems. And gaining credible health information is necessary to understand your medical condition and treatment options, which are key factors in managing any health condition.

This fall, the Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Gaston County Senior Center, is offering several programs designed to provide both health information and support.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less

This 17-week weight management program is based on a three-part approach to weight management — choosing a healthy diet, moving more and making lifelong behavior changes. The program is neither a prescriptive weight loss plan nor a physical activity prescription. Each weekly session will include:

In-depth information about why the behavior is important for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Strategies for adopting the behavior.

How the whole family can eat smart and move more.

Opportunity for sharing and celebrating.

Suggestions for living mindfully.

Guided discussion of the strategy for the week.

Time for each participant to assess body weight in a non-public setting.

The cost of the program is $20. If you attend at least 14 sessions, you’ll receive a $10 refund. Sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 27 through Dec. 17 at the Gaston Senior Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas. Pre-registration is required by calling 704-922-2170 by Aug. 19.

You may not be able to control all aspects of your health, but there are many things you can certainly do to improve it. Finding social support from others — friends, family, and co-workers — provides motivation, encouragement, as well as new ways to work through health problems. And gaining credible health information is necessary to understand your medical condition and treatment options, which are key factors in managing any health condition.

This fall, the Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Gaston County Senior Center, is offering several programs designed to provide both health information and support.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less

This 17-week weight management program is based on a three-part approach to weight management — choosing a healthy diet, moving more and making lifelong behavior changes. The program is neither a prescriptive weight loss plan nor a physical activity prescription. Each weekly session will include:

In-depth information about why the behavior is important for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Strategies for adopting the behavior.

How the whole family can eat smart and move more.

Opportunity for sharing and celebrating.

Suggestions for living mindfully.

Guided discussion of the strategy for the week.

Time for each participant to assess body weight in a non-public setting.

The cost of the program is $20. If you attend at least 14 sessions, you’ll receive a $10 refund. Sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 27 through Dec. 17 at the Gaston Senior Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas. Pre-registration is required by calling 704-922-2170 by Aug. 19.

Living healthy with diabetes

This six-week program is designed to help individuals with diabetes learn to manage their condition and their lives. This program will help participants manage fatigue and depression, eat healthy and monitor blood sugar. They will learn how to use relaxation techniques, improve communication skills with family, friends and healthcare providers, solve problems and set goals. The free program will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 9 through Oct. 14. Registration before Aug. 30 is required. Call 704-922-2170. The program will be held at the Gaston County Senior Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas.

Living Healthy: Chronic DiseaseSelf-Management

This program helps individuals with one or more chronic health problems — such as heart disease, chronic pain, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis — learn to manage their condition and their life. This free six-week program will be offered at two locations — you can choose from either the morning or afternoon program.